WAVES 2025: Kareena Kapoor Khan recalls Steven Spielberg recognising her from 3 Idiots; says, “I didn’t need to act in an English film for him to see me” 2025 : Bollywood News

At the ongoing World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan opened up about her views on international stardom and why she never actively pursued Hollywood projects, unlike many of her contemporaries. Speaking at a panel titled Cinema – The Soft Power, moderated by filmmaker Karan Johar and featuring actor Vijay Deverakonda, Kareena reflected on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and its growing global reach. When Johar asked why she hadn’t chased opportunities in the West, Kareena offered a characteristically candid response: “Chasing is not a part of my personality. If it has to happen, it will happen.”

WAVES 2025: Kareena Kapoor Khan recalls Steven Spielberg recognising her from 3 Idiots; says, “I didn’t need to act in an English film for him to see me”

The actress then recounted a personal encounter with legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg that reinforced her confidence in the global appeal of Indian films — particularly 3 Idiots, in which she starred opposite Aamir Khan. “I was actually in a restaurant, I am travelling somewhere. Steven Spielberg was eating at the same restaurant,” she recalled. “This was many moons ago, when 3 Idiots had just released. He actually came up to me and told me, ‘Are you that girl who was in that very famous Indian film about three students?’ I said, ‘Yes, that's me.’ He said, ‘My god. I loved that movie.’ I didn’t need to act in an English film for him to see me.”

The anecdote drew attention to how Indian cinema, especially Hindi films, has found viewers across continents without the need for linguistic or geographic crossover. Kareena acknowledged that times are changing, and the possibility of working in an international project isn't entirely off the table: “Who knows, a Hindi-English film will happen. Even Steven Spielberg is watching our Hindi films. So, you never know.”

The WAVES 2025 Summit, jointly organised by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry and the Maharashtra government, aims to spotlight the cultural and economic significance of media and entertainment. The summit has drawn notable figures from across the country, including Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun, and more!

Also Read: WAVES 2025: Kareena Kapoor reveals why Jab We Met is one film she wants the world to watch; says, “I believe it will continue to connect with people worldwide”